Accelerated Master's Program

The Accelerated Master’s Program in Sociology offers students the opportunity to begin working on their master’s degree while they complete their bachelor’s degree.

The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) in Sociology allows students to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years (rather than the 6 years it typically takes to earn both degrees).

In the AMP, students get to:

  • begin their graduate studies while still an undergraduate student
  • double-count several classes toward both degrees
  • pay the undergraduate tuition rate for all classes until they complete all the requirements for the BA degree
  • save time and money

So . . . if you are already thinking about earning a Master’s degree someday, this is a really great way to accomplish that goal. And if you haven’t ever thought about a Master’s degree, here are a few reasons why you might want to consider it:

  • Sociologists with at least a Master’s degree earn, on average, more than $80,000 per year
  • Demand for Sociologists is expected to grow over the next 10 years at a rate faster than the average for all occupations
  • Sociologists with Master’s degrees can work as research analysts, social advocates, counselors, academic advisors, college professors, program directors, grant writers, and so much more

More Information

Accelerated Master's Program in the Department of Sociology

Students completing the AMP in Sociology have the opportunity to complete select graduate courses toward the completion of their bachelor's degree and master's degree. The following course options are available for AMP students.

Students will complete a total of 33 credit hours, 9 of which will count toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The core classes for the Sociology MA are:

  • Soc 603 Theory
  • Soc 681 Quantitative Methods
  • Soc 682 Introduction to Statistics
  • Soc 683 Qualitative Methods
  • Soc 684 Advanced Statistics
  • Soc 699 Seminar in Selected Topics

In addition to these core classes, students complete 15 hours of electives.

Ready to Apply?

To apply for the AMP option, students must have earned a minimum of 75 credit hours (at least 30 must be earned at Ball State) with an overall GPA of 3.25. Applicants must complete the Graduate School’s application and submit a statement of purpose, a resume, and two letters of recommendation.

Prospective applicants should contact Mellisa Holtzman, Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Sociology, before applying. Dr. Holtzman can be contacted at mkholtzman@bsu.edu.

Apply